The Blessing of a Mother

 "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.  Her children rise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her."

Proverbs 31:10, 28

 This is a Happy Mother's Day and a Happy Birthday all-in-one to the best mother in the whole wide world!  We are SO blessed!

 On May 16th, 19-ahem! ; ), Wanda Sipe was born into this world.

 The next-to-the-youngest child

 and absolutely adorable! : )

Richard, Jr., Ronald, Valerie, Wanda, and Crystal

 High school years came along,

 and she met the man she was soon to marry.

(It's hard to say "man" since he was only 17 when they married.)

 The first child came along 4 years later.

Over the years, the family grew, and she became affectionately known as Mama to seven absolutely angelic children. (heehee!)

In all actuality, it's a surprise she isn't gray-headed or bald!  But she has endured those years with grace. : )

And now, she is lovingly known as Grandma to two precious granddaughters!

Mama . . . thank you for your unending love, faithfulness to God, to your husband, to us, for all the sacrifices that you make every single day . . . no -- there are no short days, are there? : ) . . . and for all of life's lessons that you have never failed to teach us ~ by your actions as well as your words.  Thank you for sharing our joys as well as our griefs and heartaches as only a mother can.  For the hugs, the kisses, the counsel, and the much-needed talks . . . all of this bundled up into the best mother = Our Beloved Mama.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY
from the bunch of us!